Cone Beam Computerised Tomography (CBCT)

What is Dental Cone Beam CT?

Dental cone beam computer tomography (CBCT) is a special type of x-ray machine used in situations where regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient.  It uses a special type of technology to generate high-quality three dimensional (3-D) images of dental structures, nerve paths and bone in the craniofacial region in a single scan. Images obtained with cone beam CT allow for more precise treatment planning for dental implants, complex wisdom teeth surgery, dental pathology such as cysts.

Cone beam CT provides detailed images of the bone and is performed to evaluate diseases of the jaw, dentition, bony structures of the face, nasal cavity and sinuses. 

What are some common uses of the procedure?

Dental cone beam CT is commonly used for treatment planning of more complex cases that involve:

• surgical planning for impacted wisdom teeth
• diagnosing temporomandibular joint disorder  (TMJ)
• accurate placement of dental implants
• evaluation of the jaws, sinuses, nerve canals and nasal cavity
• detecting, measuring and treating jaw tumors
• determining bone structure and tooth orientation
• locating the origin of pain or pathology 
• reconstructive surgery

If you have any of the conditions and your dentist doesn’t have a machine, you can discuss with him whether there will be merits in getting CBCT scans to aid in the treatment planning. We will be happy to coordinate with your dentist and obtain the scans for you.